In Sunday's World Cup games, Mexico saw off Ecuador 2－1 in Group G, giving themselves a good chance of moving into the next round of the competition. Turkey and Costa Rica played out a one－all draw in Group C, totally smashing China's dreams of advancing into the second round. Japan beat Russia in Group H.
After an early Agustin Delgado header gave Ecuador the lead, Mexico stormed back confidently to win 2－1 in Miyagi, Japan. Jared Borgetti and Gerardo Torrado claimed the goals that clinched the match, leaving Mexico in an excellent position to advance from Group G. Both goals were top class, and the two goal scorers were impressive figures throughout the match. The authority with which Mexico controlled the South Americans will have their next group opponents, Italy, nervous about their chances. Dreams of the second round for debutantes Ecuador have been dashed as their second loss in as many games means their clash with Croatia will be their last in the tournament.
A highly－paced and enthralling match in Incheon, Korea ended in a deserved draw. Turkey had taken the lead through a second－half goal from Emre Belozoglu, but the Central Americans created chance after chance in the final 30 minutes in search of an equalizer. Four minutes before the game ended, the Costa Rican, Parks broke Turkish hearts with a late goal. Costa Rica stand second in Group C with four points. However, they must face the already qualified Brazil next, while Turkey have one point but take on goal－less and pointless China.
Japan had a hard fight against Russia in Yokohama, Japan. The two played out a goal－less first half. Junichi Inamoto broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half, putting Japan one nil up against the Russians. Although Russia had many chances to score, they failed to find the net. The result puts Japan temporarily on top of Group H with four points. Russia are second with three points and Belgium third with one point. Tunisia are last without a point. Belgium and Tunisia play on Monday.
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